Once labeled the "Biden of Brooklyn," Eric Adams has ramped up his praise, and defense, of the former president since September, when the mayor was indicted on corruption charges in Manhattan federal court.

On November 16, Trump attended a UFC event at Madison Square Garden accompanied by a large entourage including Elon Musk and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Mayor Adams turned up too. A bystander video caught Adams briefly chatting up Trump ringside.

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s comment reflects an unusual relationship that Mr. Adams, the New York mayor, has encouraged as his federal corruption trial nears.